anupam sanklecha

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Samad Fallah, Maharashtra's highest wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy history, has officially announced his retirement from professional cricket. The left-arm swing bowler concluded a distinguished career that saw him claim 272 Ranji wickets and 287 first-class wickets overall in 78 matches at an average of 28.48.

Fallah also made significant contributions in limited-overs cricket, taking 75 List-A wickets and 62 in T20s. His defining moment came in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in March 2010, where he played a pivotal role in delivering Maharashtra their only senior-level silverware since the 1940-41 season, with a match-winning four-wicket haul.

In an Instagram video post featuring Fallah's distinguished career, Fallah expressed his gratitude and reflected on his journey: "Retirement is not an easy identity. but had accepted it a couple of years back. Announcing it is formality… from not playing any age group to taking a fiver on debut and becoming the highest wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy for my Maharashtra. this state has given me my identity... winning the Mushtaq Ali trophy finals by taking a 4-fer to take 10 wickets in semifinals of Ranji Trophy semifinals... Thank you, MCA for trusting me.. I gave my all and (am) so happy. I have played most BCCI finals for Maharashtra.. and will still be with my MCA till I win Trophies for my state. I say goodbye to my bowling which is the most amazing gift I had... Thank You all."